At St Aidan’s, we are committed to promoting the fundamental British values as outlined by the Department for Education, in order to prepare our children for life in modern Britain. These values are at the heart of our curriculum and school life, guiding the way we live, learn, and treat one another.
Right at the centre of all that we do is our Mission Statement: ‘Learning and Growing Together; Inspired by the Love of Jesus.’ It informs how we build relationships within our school and shapes our hopes and aspirations for the wider world.
The five key British values are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We promote these values actively and consistently throughout the school, and we also challenge pupils, staff, parents, or visitors who express opinions contrary to these values.
Democracy
Everyone has a voice and a say in how their community is run.
At St Aidan’s, we teach pupils the importance of democracy by giving them real opportunities to contribute and lead. Children learn that their opinions matter and that they can make a difference.
What we do:
- Pupil voice is promoted through class voting and elections for School Councillors, Head Boy and Head Girl, Play Leaders, Mini Vinnies, and other roles.
- Our election process mirrors real-life elections, complete with confidential voting booths, application forms, shortlisting, and interviews.
- Classroom voting is used in all year groups—even Nursery children vote during Anti-Bullying Week’s ‘Odd Socks’ competition!
- Pupils are encouraged to express their views and listen to the views of others in a respectful way.
- Opportunities for community involvement include litter-picking events, food bank donations, and visits to local care homes.
- Pupils meet public figures and institutions such as the Royal Navy, Merseyside Police, and local councillors to learn about public service and governance.
- We teach pupils how perceived injustices can be peacefully challenged, promoting fairness and dialogue.
The Rule of Law
Everyone is equal under the law, and laws exist to protect individuals and society.
We help children understand the importance of rules and laws in maintaining a safe and fair environment. They learn that following rules leads to freedom, safety, and respect.
What we do:
- School rules are clear, fair, and consistently applied. Pupils are involved in making and reviewing class rules.
- We use restorative conversations to help pupils understand the consequences of their actions and make positive changes.
- Children are rewarded for positive behaviour through House Points, stickers, Star of the Week and British Values awards.
- We welcome regular visits from Merseyside Police, who run workshops on:
- Knife crime
- Anti-social behaviour
- Firework safety and Mischief Night (local issue)
- Online safety and cyberbullying
- County Lines
- Children take part in sports competitions where they learn the importance of playing fairly, following rules, and showing sportsmanship.
- Children learn that laws protect our freedoms, and we explore this theme further in PSHE lessons and assemblies.
- Visitors such as the Royal Navy STEM team teach resilience, discipline, and respect in the context of careers and teamwork.
- We develop children’s understanding of rules outside of school, such as Road Safety, through Road Safety Workshops and Bikeability sessions.
Individual Liberty
Everyone has the right to make their own choices and to be themselves.
We encourage all children at St Aidan’s to be independent, confident learners who feel safe to make their own choices within a supportive environment.
What we do:
- Pupils are taught about rights and responsibilities, helping them to make positive, informed choices.
- We promote positive mental health through a culture of openness, empathy, and emotional literacy.
- The Zones of Regulation programme is used school-wide to help children recognise and manage their emotions in a healthy way.
- Pupils can express themselves through a wide variety of creative and leadership opportunities, including Reading Ambassadors, Mini Vinnies, dance performances, and class assemblies.
- We have a strong anti-bullying culture. Anti-Bullying Week includes:
- Odd Socks Day
- Workshops with poet Laura Walsh addressing stereotypes and respectful language
- Children create Worry Boxes in class to confidentially share concerns and seek support.
- We provide E-Safety lessons across the curriculum and host workshops for both parents and staff to ensure children are safe online.
- Our curriculum challenges stereotypes from the earliest years, for example, showing female builders or male hairdressers in role-play and storybooks.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a two-way street – we show it to others and expect it in return.
Mutual respect is a fundamental part of our ethos. Pupils learn that every person is unique and valuable, created in the image and likeness of God.
What we do:
- Respect is embedded in our Gospel reflections, behaviour expectations, and school culture.
- Collective Worship is held daily, often planned and led by pupils, with time for reflection in spaces like our prayer garden.
- Our RE scheme fosters understanding of different beliefs and how faith impacts people’s lives.
- Pupils regularly participate in community service projects through Mini Vinnies, from food banks to care home visits.
- Children learn to collaborate respectfully in Kagan cooperative learning structures across subjects and year groups.
- Sporting events, class performances, and assemblies give children opportunities to celebrate each other’s successes and talents.
- Boxing Sessions – building discipline, fitness, confidence, and learning to be respectful in a structured environment.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Britain is home to many different cultures and religions – and we learn from them all.
As a Catholic school, we are deeply rooted in Christian values but celebrate and respect all faiths and cultures. Our children learn to understand and embrace the richness of diversity.
What we do:
- In RE lessons, we learn about other religions as well as Christianity.
- Visits a local synagogue and mosque, and Early Years celebrate Chinese New Year with food, music, art, and stories.
- We work with the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) and the Anthony Walker Foundation to deliver workshops on equality and anti-racism.
- We hold an annual Black History Month, with:
- Class texts by Black authors
- Music of Black origin
- Flapjack baking inspired by chef Lorraine Pascale
- Sign language sessions
- Posters, displays, and library resources showcasing inspirational Black figures
- Children and families have supported the Ukraine appeal through donations.
- Our HANDS sign language programme teaches inclusive communication to EYFS
- The school challenges prejudice or discriminatory behaviour through PSHE lessons, workshops, assemblies, and daily interactions.
By embedding British Values across our curriculum and daily life, we ensure that pupils at St Aidan’s leave with the knowledge, skills, and moral compass they need to thrive as responsible, respectful, and active citizens in modern Britain.